Energy Services Bulletin banner

Web tips help gardeners use water wisely

With gardening season upon us, the Be Waterwise campaign reminds consumers that by overwatering, they may be using—and paying for—as much as 60 extra inches of water a year.

There are a number of cost-free ways homeowners can reduce overwatering:

  • Water when plants need it. Adjust watering schedules for the weather.

  • Walk on your lawn. If the grass bounces back, watering can probably wait another day or two. If the grass is dry and lies flat, it’s time to water.

  • Try setting automatic sprinkler controller to water half as long as it does now. Gradually increase the time if the plants need a bit more.

  • If you don’t have an automatic sprinkler system, use a kitchen timer to help remind you to turn sprinklers off manually.

  • Watering for less time at two different times of the day allows soil to absorb the water, reducing runoff.

  • Mulch, mulch, mulch. A thick layer of mulch insulates the soil from the sun, slows water evaporation, discourages weeds and keeps roots cool.

  • Water thoroughly but less frequently. This trains plants to develop deep root systems.

  • Avoid watering on windy days when much of the water evaporates or blows away.

  • Adjust your lawnmower to cut higher in the summer. Most lawns are cut too short, exposing the roots to the sun and increasing water loss.

  • Plant only drought-resistant plants and install drip systems in landscape areas. Not free, but worth the investment.

For more water conservation tips to pass on to consumers, visit Be Waterwise and Water Use It Wisely.